some like it sweet

Calabrese do well for us, unlike many other members of the brassica family.

Sown in the spring and brought on in the greenhouse, the infant plants go out under netting protection. Rabbits and wood pigeons love 'em!

Less easy to combat are the enemies from down below: the slugs. This year's wheeze is to put crushed eggshells around each plant in the hope that the spikiness will deter the slimy enemy.

Our calabrese have new friends this year. Tasting like the sweetened stems of calabrese are kohlrabi. Mmmm. Feeling hungry? This is what passes for food for us vegetarians! We're giving them a try this year.

Brassicas like their soil sweet, hence the dusting of lime.